The wood that could
Gmelina trees could be a major money-spinner for Thai farmers as the timber has a variety of uses, but their susceptibility to pests has kept growers from cashing in on their potential
- Published: 22/01/2012 at 03:37 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
During a trip to the Philippines in November, I tried to find an old schoolmate I hadn't contacted since high school. I was told his family had moved, and that he now owned a furniture shop. As I had promised a mutual friend that I would find him, I looked for him where I was told he had moved, along a country road lined by gmelina trees. I did not find him, but I did learn something.
a 10-year-old tree. Gmelina can be harvested six to 10 years after planting.
The road had five furniture shops making beds and cabinets to order, and they were all using only wood from the gmelina tree, also known as yemane, Malay beechwood, or white teak. Unlike teak (Tectona grandis), which must be at least 50 years old before its timber can be harvested, gmelina can bring returns six to 10 years after planting. The wood that the furniture-makers were using came from trees that were only about eight to 10 years old.
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About the author
- Writer: Normita Thongtham
- Position: Writer
